On raising a son on the autism spectrum, progressive politics, pop culture, and coffee addiction.

Friday, January 11, 2008

Trial and tribulation

Kristina Chew is blogging daily at Autism Vox about the ongoing trial of Karen McCarron, who killed her autistic daughter Katie in May, 2006. Each update hurts more than the last. I read today's update hours ago, and I am still reeling from it.

In the time since Katie's death, her grandfather, Mike McCarron, has become an online friend. My thoughts and my wishes for peace, comfort, and strength are with Mike and his family always, but they are especially strong this week as they are forced to relive what to me is unimaginable, but to them is reality.

My heart is with you, Mike. With you and, most especially, with Katie.

I wonder what went on in Karen McCarron's mind. Did she not have support? Did she not have friends, or a community, as we do? There is a comment on Kristina's post about it being "pure evil". Evil? I don't know? Mentally compromised, depressed - and I'm not sure it could be over autism. What about her daughter frightened her so much about herself?

What a precious life lost! In Canada, we are hearing the appeal of a father who murdered his daughter who had cerebral palsy. The Appeal!!!! It makes me fume, and like you I am at a loss for words (or at least words that my mother would let me say in her presence).

Please, please pass on my heartfelt support and best wishes to your friend Mike. This is an unthinkable crime and the damage that Karen's actions have caused are not just within her own realm. There are, seemingly hundreds of, folks who feel the agony of this little girl's life being stolen away from her and whose lives will never be the same.